This program will allow the university to send mass text messages to students and faculty in the event of an emergency. Messages will only be sent in "situations that pose an immediate risk to the safety of the community or could significantly disrupt campus activities."

"Text messaging will be a valuable addition to our emergency communications toolset," Donald Robinson, director of the Emergency Operations Center, said in a press release. "Especially for students, who spend time in many locations over the course of a day, notifying them by cell phone is the most immediate method available. We are very pleased to provide this service to the campus community."

Students must sign up voluntarily and the system will send a test message out sometime next week, according to the press release.